Following the old trail leading to Liyue Habor while pressing hard on the serious wound on his stomach, the blue haired exorcist struggled to keep himself awake as his breath became heavier each passing second. He was wounded all over while his clothes were torn, tainted in his own blood. Yet, he didn't feel the pain, not one bit. Today like always, he headed out with the informations given by his best friend, Xingqiu. Just when he thought it was a complete bust like usual, a powerful spirit attack hit where he was standing and left a giant hole on the ground. Though he managed to dodge it, his body wouldn't stop trembling as the spirit showed itself. His instinct told him it was dangerous. Yet, instead of surrendering before its overwhelming aura, he gripped his claymore tight and charged forward. After all, it was his job to rid this world of evil spirit.

"I need more training..."

As his unconsciousness slowly faded away, an unique sound caught his attention. Before he knew it, he went astray from the path and arrived at the river bank. Under the silver moonlight, while dancing to the sweet melody of his companion flute, that person whose face was hidden behind a scary demon mask raised his voice and sang. It wasn't long before one of them noticed his presence.

"Oh? Seems like we have a visitor." Said the aqua green eyes bard as he lowered his flute.

At the same time, that person stopped and turned his way.

"You're...!"

That was the last thing he heard before everything went black.

...

Slowly opened his eyes as lighting torn up the sky, the blue haired teen awoke from his deep slumber. He was laying on a warm, comfort bed with all his wounds carefully taken care of but the room itself didn't seem familiar to him.

"Where am I...?"

At that moment, a young blonde haired lady carrying a tray of food pushed the door in. One glance and he recognised her right away.

"You're the one from Wangshu Inn."

"I'm surprise you still remember. We only talk for a brief moment when you came for Dusty Ming."

"Well, I did cause you and the owner a lot of trouble the last time I was here."

"I wouldn't call it that. After all, the guests were entertained by your unique "performance". Anyway, how are you feeling?"

"Like I had just eaten a basket of Jueyun chilies. My apologize, I don't think I can leave any time soon. But please, don't worry. I'll pay you every last mora once I--"

"Oh no, I can't take your money."

"Eh?"

"Actually, this room belongs to a certain person. He was the one who brought you back. And since he has urgent matters to attend, he asked me to take care of you. We never charged him for anything and we won't start doing it with his guest."

"I-I see. Um, could you at least tell me their name?"

"Of couse. He's the Vigilant--"

"Boss lady." That person called out as water dripped down from his hair. He was soaking wet from the heavy rain.

Meanwhile, the teen's eyes widened in shock.

"When did he get there?"

"Ah, welcome back, Xiao. Do you want me to bring you a change of clothes?"

"No need. I'm not weak like you humans."

"I know. But it would be troublesome if puddles start forming on the floor, don't you think?"

"Do as you wish." He said simply and she left saying she would be right back. As she disappeared beyond the door, he let out a sigh and turned toward the blue haired teen whom was struggling to push himself up "Just what do you think you're doing?"

"I have to go. My friend is probably worry sick."

"Injured people should rest and stop causing trouble for others." Xiao dashed there and forced him back down.

"But I--"

"If you have the energy to argue, why don't you use it to finish those food?"

"I'm afraid I can't have anything "hot". You see, I have this called--

Not waiting for him to finish, the golden eyes young man swiped his left hand over the tray and all the food went cold. It was just for split second, but he could feel it, the amount of concentrate Ameno element wrapped around that person's hand.

"I take that there won't be any other complainings."

"A-amazing!"

"Hm?"

"I haven't seen anyone being able to draw out such great amount of their elemental power in a blink like that. Not to mention keeping it under con--Oh no! Calm down, Chongyu. Calm down..."

"...You haven't change one bit."

"Eh?"

As lightning struck, leaving a big hole on the ground, the one called "Xiao" disappeared. While he wondered if everything was just in his head, the young lady returned with the clothes she promised and an extra plate of Almond Tofu. When she saw the young man was no longer there, she placed them both neatly on the table near the entrance then when to close the window.

"You have to excuse him. He didn't intend to vanish like that. He just heard them, the cry for help. Protect Liyue, that's his contract with lord Geo."

...

Opening his eyes for the second time, the familiar celling awaited the young exorcist. It was still raining outside, so he didn't really know how long he was out. However, one thing was sure, his body didn't hurt as much anymore. As he pushed himself up, the scene left him speechless as his little heart, for sixteen peaceful years, started racing out of control.

Leaning back comfortably in the clothes the boss lady left on the windowsill while the Ameno vision on his waist swung lightly, Xiao rested his head against the closed window. Turning away blushing, the teen took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. It was difficult without his popsicles. On the other hand, he couldn't just ignore the young man. Though the rain couldn't get to him, the way he left his chest exposed under this cold weather was gonna get him sick.Taking another deep breath then grabbed the blanket, the ice-blue cat slit eyes teen made his way to the window and covered the young man with it. As he was pulling it up his chest, Xiao suddenly opened his eyes and grabbed his wrist. The next thing he knew, his hands were pinned over his head while that person's right leg forcefully got in between his. Then the rain stopped. As the moonlight pierced through the thick cloud, his eyes widened in shock. Everything from the young man's hair to his eyes color have complete changed. But the most surprising thing was his vision.

"It's Pyro?!"

"The expression on your face..." He leaned down as his emerald eyes glowed bright. "It's like you've seen a ghost."

"No, I--" A whine escaped his lips as that person tightened his grip.

"You look cold. Allow me to warm you up."

At that moment, the bandages on his arms were slowly burnt away by the flame created by that person's vision. It didn't hurt, however, for him to come in contact with that amount of heat was a big problem.

"P-please, stop!" I won't be able to..." Tears filled his eyes. He was scared of what to come.

It was then the young man felt a string in his chest as an angry voice echoed in his head.

"GET OUT!"

"Looks like he woke up." He said simply as his hair slowly changed from bright red to dark green while his left eye turned golden, his vision flickered. Leaning down and placing a kiss on that person's forehead before his other eye turned completely, he smiled. "Until next time, little bunny."

Then his presence vanished. When he opened his eyes again, Xiao was gazing at him with a shocking expression as his grip loosened. At that moment, he curled up into a ball. The Yang energy in his body had been stirred and was causing him a lot of pains. However, the worst part had yet to come. It happened once before when he was young, so he didn't remember. But the people of Liyue never forgot that fateful day when thousands of spirits swallowed up the sun, the earth trembled while mountains crumbled, many people were hurt.

"Run!"

He wanted to scream it out loud, but the pain was just too overwhelming. Thus, only groans escaped his lips. The next thing he knew, Xiao pulled him up, right into his chest and hugged him tight.

"Sorry..." He kept on repeating like a broken machine while his body gave out an ominous aura.

"Why is he apologizing? I really don't..."

"...understand."

Darkness shrouded his eyes.